Top 5 Horror Films of 2024
Jaime’s Top 5
5. Immaculate
Immaculate is a chilling psychological horror film directed by Michael Mohan and starring Sydney Sweeney as Sister Cecilia, a devout nun who relocates to an idyllic Italian convent. What begins as a peaceful retreat into faith and devotion soon takes a dark turn as Sister Cecilia uncovers sinister secrets hidden within the convent’s sacred walls. With its atmospheric setting, gripping performances, and haunting exploration of faith and fear, Immaculate delivers a spine-tingling experience that leaves audiences questioning the boundaries of good and evil.
4. Lisa Frankenstein
Lisa Frankenstein is a romantic comedy horror film directed by Zelda Williams in her feature-length directorial debut, with a screenplay by Diablo Cody. The film stars Kathryn Newton as Lisa, a misunderstood teenage girl who inadvertently reanimates a Victorian-era corpse, portrayed by Cole Sprouse. Set in 1989, the narrative follows their unconventional relationship as they navigate the challenges of love, life, and a few missing body parts.
3. Last Straw
Last Straw is a horror-thriller directed by Alan Scott Neal. The film follows Nancy Osborne (Jessica Belkin), a young waitress managing her father’s rural diner. After firing a troublesome employee, she finds herself alone on the night shift, only to become the target of a violent killing spree orchestrated by masked assailants. As the night unfolds, Nancy must confront her deepest fears and fight for survival against relentless attackers.
2. Oddity
Oddity is a Irish supernatural horror film written and directed by Damian Mc Carthy. The story follows Darcy Odello, a blind medium and curio shopkeeper, who is grieving the murder of her twin sister, Dani. A year after the tragedy, a mysterious wooden mannequin from her collection becomes central to her quest to uncover the truth behind Dani’s death.
1. Strange Darling
Strange Darling is a gripping psychological horror film directed by JT Mollner that explores the intense cat-and-mouse dynamic between a mysterious woman and a relentless serial killer. Set across a single day, the film unravels through unexpected twists, blurring the lines between predator and prey. Known for its sharp storytelling and chilling tension, Strange Darling keeps audiences on edge with its unpredictable narrative and haunting performances, making it a standout entry in modern horror cinema.
Ashley’s Top 5
5. A Quiet Place: Day One
A Quiet Place: Day One is a spine-chilling prequel to the acclaimed A Quiet Place series, directed by Michael Sarnoski. Set during the chaotic first day of the alien invasion, the film follows a group of survivors as they navigate the terrifying initial moments of a world plunged into silence. With gripping tension, harrowing action, and an expanded look at the origins of the alien menace, Day One delivers a fresh perspective on the franchise’s apocalyptic nightmare, offering fans an immersive and heart-pounding experience.
4. Night Swim
Night Swim is a supernatural horror film directed by Bryce McGuire, based on the 2014 short film of the same name. The story centers on the Waller family, who move into a new home equipped with a backyard swimming pool, only to discover that it harbors a malevolent presence. As unexplained and terrifying events unfold, the family must confront the sinister force lurking beneath the water’s surface.
3. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a gothic dark fantasy comedy horror film directed by Tim Burton, serving as a sequel to the 1988 classic “Beetlejuice.” The film features the return of Michael Keaton as Betelgeuse, Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz, and Catherine O’Hara as Delia Deetz, alongside new cast members Jenna Ortega as Lydia’s daughter, Astrid, and Monica Bellucci as Betelgeuse’s wife, Delores. The story follows the Deetz family as they return to their haunted home in Winter River, where Astrid inadvertently unleashes Betelgeuse, leading to a series of supernatural and comedic events.
2. Abigail
Abigail is a horror comedy film directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett. The story follows a group of criminals who kidnap a 12-year-old ballerina, Abigail, the daughter of a powerful underworld figure, and hold her in a secluded mansion, unaware that she is a centuries-old vampire. As the night unfolds, the kidnappers find themselves trapped inside with a formidable and supernatural adversary. The film stars Alisha Weir as Abigail, alongside Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, and Kathryn Newton.
1. The First Omen
The First Omen is a supernatural horror film directed by Arkasha Stevenson, serving as a prequel to the 1976 classic “The Omen.” The story follows Margaret Daino, portrayed by Nell Tiger Free, an American novitiate sent to a Catholic orphanage in Rome, where she uncovers a sinister conspiracy aimed at bringing about the birth of the Antichrist. The film delves into themes of faith, corruption, and the origins of evil, offering a chilling narrative that expands the lore of the original series.
Joe’s Top 5
5. Azrael
Azrael is an action horror film directed by E.L. Katz and written by Simon Barrett. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the narrative follows Azrael, portrayed by Samara Weaving, a young woman who escapes from a devout cult of mute zealots that has renounced speech, believing it to be sinful. Recaptured by the cult’s ruthless leaders, she is slated for sacrifice to appease an ancient evil dwelling in the wilderness. The film is notable for its minimal dialogue, relying heavily on visual storytelling and Weaving’s compelling performance.
4. The First Omen
The First Omen is a supernatural horror film directed by Arkasha Stevenson, serving as a prequel to the 1976 classic “The Omen.” The story follows Margaret Daino, portrayed by Nell Tiger Free, an American novitiate sent to a Catholic orphanage in Rome, where she uncovers a sinister conspiracy aimed at bringing about the birth of the Antichrist. The film delves into themes of faith, corruption, and the origins of evil, offering a chilling narrative that expands the lore of the original series.
3. Abigail
Abigail is a horror comedy film directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett. The story follows a group of criminals who kidnap a 12-year-old ballerina, Abigail, the daughter of a powerful underworld figure, and hold her in a secluded mansion, unaware that she is a centuries-old vampire. As the night unfolds, the kidnappers find themselves trapped inside with a formidable and supernatural adversary. The film stars Alisha Weir as Abigail, alongside Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, and Kathryn Newton.
2. Alien: Romulus
Alien: Romulus is a science fiction horror film directed by Fede Álvarez, set between the events of “Alien” (1979) and “Aliens” (1986). The story follows a group of young space colonists who, while scavenging a derelict space station, encounter the deadly Xenomorphs. The film stars Cailee Spaeny as Rain Carradine, David Jonsson as Andy, and Isabela Merced as Kay.
1. The Strangers Chapter 1
The Strangers: Chapter 1 is a film directed by Renny Harlin, serving as the third installment in “The Strangers” series and the first of a planned trilogy. The film stars Madelaine Petsch and Froy Gutierrez as a couple whose car breaks down in a remote area, forcing them to spend the night in an isolated cabin. Their evening turns into a nightmare as they are terrorized by three masked strangers with unknown motives.
Brian’s Top 5
1. Alien: Romulus
Alien: Romulus is a science fiction horror film directed by Fede Álvarez, set between the events of “Alien” (1979) and “Aliens” (1986). The story follows a group of young space colonists who, while scavenging a derelict space station, encounter the deadly Xenomorphs. The film stars Cailee Spaeny as Rain Carradine, David Jonsson as Andy, and Isabela Merced as Kay.
4. A Quiet Place Day One
A Quiet Place: Day One is a spine-chilling prequel to the acclaimed A Quiet Place series, directed by Michael Sarnoski. Set during the chaotic first day of the alien invasion, the film follows a group of survivors as they navigate the terrifying initial moments of a world plunged into silence. With gripping tension, harrowing action, and an expanded look at the origins of the alien menace, Day One delivers a fresh perspective on the franchise’s apocalyptic nightmare, offering fans an immersive and heart-pounding experience.
3. Smile 2
Smile 2 is a psychological supernatural horror film written and directed by Parker Finn, serving as a sequel to the 2022 hit “Smile.” The story follows global pop sensation Skye Riley, portrayed by Naomi Scott, who begins experiencing increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events as she prepares for a world tour. Overwhelmed by the escalating horrors and the pressures of fame, Skye is forced to confront her dark past to regain control of her life before it spirals out of control. The film also features Rosemarie DeWitt, Lukas Gage, and Kyle Gallner reprising his role from the first film.
2. Tarot
Tarot is a supernatural horror film directed by Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg in their feature film directorial debuts. Based on the 1992 novel “Horrorscope” by Nicholas Adams, the film follows a group of college students who, after using a mysterious Tarot deck, begin to experience gruesome deaths foretold by the cards. The ensemble cast includes Harriet Slater, Adain Bradley, Avantika, Wolfgang Novogratz, Humberly González, Larsen Thompson, and Jacob Batalon.
1. Abigail
Abigail is a horror comedy film directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett. The story follows a group of criminals who kidnap a 12-year-old ballerina, Abigail, the daughter of a powerful underworld figure, and hold her in a secluded mansion, unaware that she is a centuries-old vampire. As the night unfolds, the kidnappers find themselves trapped inside with a formidable and supernatural adversary. The film stars Alisha Weir as Abigail, alongside Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, and Kathryn Newton.